Don't Worry About Palu Residents, Takjil Who Are Sold By Traders Has Been Tested By BPOM And Free Of Mixed Chemicals

Illustration (Joko Harismoyo/Istockphoto)

PALU - The Food and Drug Supervision Center (BPOM) in Palu confirmed that takjil sold by traders at the Ramadan market on the first day of fasting in the capital city of Central Sulawesi was free from chemical mixtures such as rhodamin b, methanyl yellow, bolaks, and formalin. "We examined about 30 samples of food and drinks and the results were that no chemical mixtures were found in the food," said Head of BPOM Palu Agus Rianto in Palu, Antara, Friday, March 24. During the sudden inspection (sidak) carried out by his party on the first day of Ramadan, BPOM provided two mobile laboratories to check the food run by traders to the community. The activity is carried out regularly to ensure that all foods are sold safe from chemicals that can endanger health if consumed. "We ask traders to maintain this consistency. Don't because they only reap profit, food hygiene is sacrificed. To ensure food safety, we carry out regular sample tests," he said. Although food sold by traders in the Ramadan market did not find a mixture of hazardous materials, his party still encourages education to the public as consumers and traders related to food safety. Last year's Ramadan, he said, did not find food or takjil contaminated with chemicals, such as textile dyes and other materials. This means that traders are gradually becoming more consistent. He put forward, the characteristics of food contaminated or added chemicals can be seen from color, if the color is very striking then it should be suspected that food or drinks are added textile coloring and the sample test only takes three to five minutes. "If later it is found that traders mix chemicals into food, of course we will take steps, namely to carry out coaching with persuasive actions. It is all seen from how much impact is caused by the use of chemicals. If an extraordinary incident occurs, of course it will already be on legal ground," said Agus. Officers from Balai POM Palu conducted laboratory tests of various takjil menus sold by traders during an inspection at Ramadan Market in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Thursday (23/3/2023).